Boom lifts are sometimes referred to as man lifts, basket cranes, or cherry pickers. They are essential pieces of machinery used in a wide range of jobs. From basic building maintenance and construction projects to film sets and concerts, chances are you’ve seen a boom lift in action in these settings. Boom lifts make hard-to-reach areas easily accessible to human hands.
If you are planning on buying or renting a boom lift any time soon, you might get caught up in the weeds trying to figure out which type of boom lift you should get or how much you can expect to pay for one. In this article, we will look into the different types of boom lifts you can choose from. We will look into their features and the various factors affecting their prices.
Getting a boom lift is a huge investment that involves a huge sum of money. It is crucial to make informed decisions when it comes to such things. By the end of this article, you should be able to confidently choose a boom lift appropriate for your needs.
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Why Use Boom Lifts?
Whenever people need to work on hard-to-reach areas, they use tools like ladders. For more intensive work like construction, you’ll see workers use scaffoldings. People found a way of efficiently accessing high areas by the use of aerial lifts. These machines are used to elevate personnel and equipment above the ground. These devices are mounted to a vehicle for easy transport.
Essentially, boom lifts provide a safe and efficient way to access heights that are otherwise hard to reach. With boom lifts, workers have a stable platform to work from. This reduces the risk of accidents. They also provide unrivaled efficiency as their horizontal and vertical reach can be quickly adjusted. In addition, they can easily be moved from one place to another.
Boom lifts also come in various shapes and sizes, allowing them to be highly versatile and hence can be used for any type of job in any location. Because of all these, boom lifts are a much more cost-effective solution compared to other methods, such as scaffoldings. These machines are a godsend to workers on construction sites. Builders of pole barn homes and barndominiums often use boom lifts when working on high areas such as pole barn roofing, pole barn ceilings, and pole barn trusses. You will get to see these buildings on our Instagram Page.
Additionally, boom lifts are essential for electrical contractors, telephone line workers, painters, warehouse staff, and many more.
In short, the answer to the question is that boom lifts provide a safe and reliable solution for working on high places. They significantly improve efficiency, safety in the workplace, and overall productivity.
How Much Does a Boom Lift Typically Cost?
The price range of a boom lift can vary pretty wildly as there are many different types of aerial lifts. In addition, each type can have various capacities, sizes, reach, and features. Let’s look into the different boom lift types and discuss their cost.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Also known as stick booms. Telescopic boom lifts have straight extendable arms that offer great horizontal reach. Telescopic boom lifts are often used for uncomplicated tasks that need people and materials at a certain height. These machines are usually seen on construction sites as well as elevated areas needing maintenance work.
New
The cost of a new telescopic boom lift is dependent on its size and capacity. A 60 feet boom lift can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000. A 2023 JLG 670SJ that goes up to 72 ft costs $163,980.
Used
The price of a used telescopic boom lift depends on the model and its condition. A reasonable estimate would be around $30,000. You can get a 2014 Genie S-80’ telescopic boom lift for $19,100. A 2007 JLG 800S can also be bought for $42,000.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating boom lifts have the ability to get people and equipment up and over obstacles. This is because they have multiple jointed boom segments that hinge. They typically have two or three-segmented boom sections with as much mobility as a finger. This is also why they are sometimes referred to as “knuckled booms.” To add to their mobility, most models come with a base turntable that can swivel in any direction.
Articulating boom lifts work well in hard-to-reach areas that require frequent adjustment in position. This includes small, tight spaces with obstacles over and under that a telescopic boom lift would find difficult to access.
New
The cost of a new articulating boom lift that can reach 60’ starts at around $40,000 and can go upwards over $100,000. A 2023 HAULOTTE 45XA costs $62,988.
Used
Used articulating boom lifts can start at $12,000 for a machine reaching 30’. A 2006 GENIE Z45/25 costs $18,500.
Towable Boom Lifts
Towable boom lifts are different from previously mentioned boom lifts as they are towed to work sites. They are articulating boom lifts that are usually attached to a trailer when being moved around. They generally have the same standard features as the other machines with the exception of being mounted to a motorized vehicle.
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These machines are widely used in agriculture. Specifically, they are commonly used as cherry pickers. They are usually attached to a truck and then driven around the farm. This dramatically improves the efficiency of farmers. Towable lifts are also smaller making them perfect for work areas that don’t have much space. Telecommunications companies find them useful when working on power lines in tight neighborhoods.
New
New towable boom lifts can cost $25,000 to $40,000 for a reach of 34 feet. A 2022 GENIE TZ34/20 with a 40 ft work height is priced at $43,900.
Used
You can get a towable boom lift of 40 feet for $18,950. A newer one with more reach will cost more.
Spider Lifts
Also known as atrium lifts or compact crawler lifts. Spider lifts are boom lifts that can work in tight places where traditional boom lifts cannot operate. They can be articulating or telescopic. Spider lifts can reach up to 170 ft and are compact enough to operate indoors. They have the same functions as the other types of boom lifts, with the added ability to work on uneven surfaces or slopes. This is because they are mounted on a flexible leg configuration that spreads out on the ground, making it look like a spider. Hence, the name. Their ability to operate on rugged terrain makes them perfect for jobs that involve accessing heights with limited space.
New
New spider lifts can cost $50,000 – $80,000. A 2023 NIFTYLIFT TD34TN with a 40 ft work height costs $53,195.
Used
You can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 for used boom lifts. You can purchase a 2014 HAULOTTE 45XA for $38,850.
What are the Factors Affecting Boom Lift Prices?
Type of Boom Lift
As we have already covered, there are different types of boom lifts to choose from, and they are priced differently. Towable boom lifts are not attached to a motorized vehicle, which is a major contributing factor to cost among other boom lifts. Towable boom lifts, not surprisingly, tend to cost less.
Manufacturer
The brand of the boom lift will also affect its price. Well-known, established brands with a reputation for building quality machines can price their boom lifts much higher. For one thing, they use high-quality materials that ensure the longevity of the boom lift. They also employ the best engineers and workers to design and build boom lifts. This results in high-quality products that can be trusted.
Engine Type
Boom lifts can be powered by different engine types, such as electric motors, diesel engines, or hybrid systems. While boom lifts with different engine types are equipped with similar features, there are some differences you may need to consider. Electric boom lifts generally cost more, resulting in greater upfront costs. However, their operating expenses are cheaper compared to diesel boom lifts. This means you can offset the additional upfront cost in the long term. Diesel boom lifts are cheaper but cost more to operate.
Another key difference is the noise. Electric models have quiet motors, while diesel-powered models are louder. This makes electric boom lifts ideal for indoor use. The fact that they don’t exhaust fumes is another benefit.
An advantage that diesel models have is that they have more powerful engines. This means that they typically have more height range and load capacity. This brings us to the next factor.
Maximum Height and Reach
The height and reach of a boom lift will significantly affect its price. Machines with greater height and reach ranges are built with more materials. More advanced engineering is also involved in the additional components to ensure the specifications are achieved safely.
Load Capacity
The weight that a boom lift can handle will also impact its price. Machines rated with higher lift capacities require stronger structural components. More powerful hydraulic systems are also needed for them to handle heavy loads.
Condition
Buying a new boom lift will cost more compared to buying a used one. Getting a used boom lift will have the advantage of lower upfront costs; however, worn-out boom lifts can require more maintenance care and might even need some repairs, which can cause downtime.
The advantage of getting a new boom lift is that they are equipped with the latest features in the market. You also don’t have to worry about any repairs anytime soon. This makes them more reliable and efficient.
Features
Additional features and accessories make a boom lift more versatile, but it doesn’t come without extra cost. Additional features include enhanced safety, advanced control systems, platform options, and other customization options. They can give your machine a boost in its performance and capabilities.
Can You Rent Boom Lifts?
Yes! You can look up equipment rental agencies in your area. This is the best option for those who need a boom lift for one-off projects because you don’t have to worry about repairs and maintenance. However, if your rental expenses are almost as much as buying one, you should consider buying your boom lift.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Boom Lift?
The cost to rent a boom lift depends on its height, type of boom lift, fuel type, and rent duration. To give you an idea of the rates, you can rent a 30 ft electric articulating boom lift for $245 per day, $709 per week, and $1,695 per month.
A 125 ft articulating boom lift powered by diesel costs $1,239 per day, $3,621 per week, and $8,851 monthly. We recommend reaching out to multiple rental agencies in your area to get the best deal.
How to Properly Choose a Boom Lift
Choosing a boom lift that works best for the job that you have in mind involves some key considerations.
What You Need
Determine the specifications of the machine you want. This includes the height and reach, weight capacity, and the environment the boom lift will operate in. This not only narrows down your search but also helps you make sure the machine can handle the task at hand.
How You Will Use It
Another key consideration is how the machine is going to be used. Different applications may require specialized features or attachments. Whether you need a boom lift for construction, maintenance, or more specific jobs like film-making and stage events, these are things to keep in mind when choosing the right type of boom lift.
How Powerful You Need It
Determine the maximum weight capacity your boom lift needs to be carrying. This includes the operator and any additional equipment. Choosing a lift that can handle the weight is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency on the job site.
The power source is also a key consideration. Diesel-powered machines are best for outdoor use and rough terrain, while electric boom lifts are best for indoor areas.
Conclusion
Boom lifts come in different shapes and sizes. Choosing the best one for the job not only ensures the safety and efficiency of your workers, it will also be cost-effective. The price of a boom lift is influenced by several factors. It is crucial to carefully evaluate your needs when choosing a boom lift. This helps you make the right decision: a balance between price and performance.
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